The King's Warden
The King's Warden is an upcoming South Korean historical drama film directed by Jang Hang-jun. It features an ensemble cast led by Yoo Hae-jin, Park Ji-hoon, Yoo Ji-tae, and Jeon Mi-do. The film explores the domestic life and psychological isolation of the deposed King Danjong during his exile in 1457. Distributed by Showbox, it is scheduled to be released on February 4, 2026.
Synopsis
Set in 1457 during the Joseon Dynasty, King Danjong, the young sixth king of Joseon was deposed by his uncle, Grand Prince Suyang. After being stripped of his title and exiled to the remote, scenic mountain valley of Cheongnyeongpo in Yeongwol, the young former king finds himself living in a world far removed from the palace. Eom Heung-do, a shrewd village chief who hears a rumor that hosting an exiled nobleman brings great fortune to a village. Expecting a wealthy aristocrat who might revive the local economy, Heung-do and the villagers are instead met with the arrival of the teenage deposed king and his devoted court lady. As Danjong struggles with the loss of his identity and the constant threat of death from the capital, he forms an unlikely bond with Heung-do.Cast
- Yoo Hae-jin as Eom Heung-do
- Park Ji-hoon as King Danjong
- Yoo Ji-tae as Han Myŏnghoe
- Jeon Mi-do as Mae-hwa
- as Eom Tae-san
- Park Ji-hwan as Eo Se-gyeom
- Lee Joon-hyuk as
- Ahn Jae-hong
Production
Development
According to film industry sources, director Jang Hang-jun confirmed that his next project would be titled The King's Warden. The film focuses on the exile of King Danjong, the sixth King of Joseon, in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province. This is Jang's first time directing a historical drama, despite his long career in other genres. Produced by Onda Works and B.A. Entertainment, and distributed by Showbox. Jang stated in a production briefing that he initially hesitated to take on a historical drama during a tough period for the film industry, he was ultimately drawn to the novelty of and encouraged by the positive "intuition" of his wife, writer Kim Eun-hee.Casting
Yoo Hae-jin, Yoo Ji-tae, and Lee Joon-hyuk were set to star for director Jang's film. While both Yoo are in the final stages of positive discussions, Lee decided to join early on out of loyalty, as the project is being prepared by the production company behind The Roundup film series. This marks another lead role for Yoo Hae-jin while for Yoo Ji-tae, his first film in five years and first historical movie in 17 years since Hwang Jin Yi, and first historical film role for Lee.Park Ji-hoon has been cast as King Danjong, the central historical figure of the film. Industry insiders noted that Park was selected for his ability to portray deep emotional vulnerability, a trait previously seen in his role in Weak Hero Class 1.
Showbox confirmed that Jeon Mi-do would join the lead cast, following her roles in the medical series Hospital Playlist and the thriller drama Connection. This also marks her first historical role.
Park Ji-hwan was cast to make a cameo appearance. It also stated that Lee would also do cameo rather than a lead role.
The film's ensemble cast—Yoo Hae-jin, Park Ji-hoon, Yoo Ji-tae, Jeon Mi-do,, as well as Lee Joon-hyuk and Park Ji-hwan—was announced in October 2024.
Ahn Jae-hong has joined the cast and marks his second collaboration with director Jang following their work together on the 2023 sports film Rebound.